California Lease Agreement Template
Reviewed by the Agiled editorial teamUpdated June 2026
The lease template below works in California once you fill in the state-specific numbers — and those numbers are what this page covers: the deposit cap, how fast the deposit must come back, how much notice the landlord owes before entering, and what it takes to end a month-to-month tenancy. The download is the same attorney-style boilerplate as our standard lease; California law fills in the blanks.
California lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit cap | Capped at 1 month's rent (AB 12, effective July 2024; small-landlord exception allows 2) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days after move-out |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours' written notice (48 hours for move-out inspection) |
| Month-to-month termination notice | 30 days (under 1 year of tenancy); 60 days after 1 year |
| Late fees | Must be a reasonable estimate of actual damages (liquidated-damages rule) |
State laws change frequently and this summary is not legal advice. Verify current rules against the state statute or with a licensed attorney before relying on them.
How California handles lease agreements
California cut its deposit cap from two months to one in July 2024, and layers statewide rent-cap and just-cause eviction rules (AB 1482) on top of the basics — the most regulated lease environment in the country alongside New York. In California, the security deposit rule is: capped at 1 month's rent (AB 12, effective July 2024; small-landlord exception allows 2). After move-out, the landlord's deadline to return the deposit is 21 days after move-out, and ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days (under 1 year of tenancy); 60 days after 1 year. Confirm current figures against the state statute before signing — legislatures amend landlord-tenant law frequently.
California lease agreement FAQs
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in California?
Capped at 1 month's rent (AB 12, effective July 2024; small-landlord exception allows 2). Put the exact deposit amount in the lease, along with where it is held, and check the current statute — several states have recently lowered their caps.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in California?
21 days after move-out. The return should include an itemized statement for any deductions; missing the statutory deadline can expose the landlord to penalty damages in many states.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter a rental in California?
24 hours' written notice (48 hours for move-out inspection). Even where no statute sets a number, writing a notice period into the lease (24–48 hours is the national norm) protects both sides.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in California?
30 days (under 1 year of tenancy); 60 days after 1 year. Give notice in writing and keep proof of delivery — the notice period is one of the most commonly litigated lease terms.
The full lease agreement guide
Clause-by-clause guidance, common mistakes, and the complete template text live on the main page: Lease Agreement Template — full guide and download.